Woman robbed by man posing as police officer

PSNI

An incident in which an elderly woman was robbed by a man posing as a police officer has been condemned.

Detectives in Lurgan are appealing for information following the burglary of a house in the Drumgor Park area of Craigavon on Sunday, May 25.

At approximately 11.20pm an unknown male entered the bedroom of an elderly woman claiming to be a police officer.

He then proceeded to search through drawers. He made off with a sum of money.

It is believed that there may have been a second male in the house.

The elderly woman was not injured during this incident, however, she was left very badly shaken.

The incident has been described as ‘outrageous’ by DUP councillor Robert Smith.

He said: “Preying on the elderly is becoming a scourge and I would ask people to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours.”

Mr Smith has stressed the importance of people providing increased security in their homes. “I would urge people to get some form of additional security for their doors - such as a chain to put on your front door so you are not opening it all the way when answering.

“I think it is a disgrace people are passing themselves off as police officers and preying on the most vulnerable in our society, It’s outrageous.”

He went on: “I would ask anyone with information on this incident to pass it on to police. I would want to see the background of the people who did this, would they want this done to someone in their own family.”

He also pointed to the cash for gold industry and called for greater controls on it.

Mr Smith said: “People carrying out burglaries and thefts are going for gold and it once again raises the question of the cash for gold industry.

“The police are trying to place some form of control on this.”

He pointed out the theft of gold rings and other items of jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets had an impact far beyond the financial as such items often have tremendous sentimental values and ‘can never be replaced’. He reminded everyone to check the ID of callers using the freephone QuickCheck number 0800 013 22 90.

Detectives are asking anyone with any information to contact them at Lurgan on the non emergency number 101 or contact Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.